Trump visits Rancho Palos Verdes for RNC event
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. (KESQ) - President Donald Trump spent just under 4 1/2 hours in California today to speak at a Republican National Committee event at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Air Force One touched down at Los Angeles International Airport around 4:30 p.m. A short time later, Trump exited the plane and walked to the awaiting Marine One helicopter, which carried him to the golf club -- avoiding any major traffic disruptions that a traditional motorcade would require.
According to the White House, Trump's speech Tuesday night was to focus on his administration's work on improving the economy and reducing crime. The president's remarks are also likely to target one of his most vocal opponents -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
"President Trump will visit California on Tuesday to tout his wins for the people of the Golden State despite failed Democrat leadership: the largest middle-class tax cut ever, the most secure border in American history, and a plummeting crime rate,'' White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told the California Post, which first reported the visit.
"The president will draw a sharp contrast between his commonsense agenda and the radical policies of Democrats like Gavin Newsom, who keep raising taxes, inviting rampant fraud in taxpayer-funded programs, and protecting illegal immigrant drug dealers, rapists, and murderers,'' Wales said.
The event was closed to reporters, which is typical of fundraisers featuring a speech by a president of either major political party.
There were about two dozen protesters outside the club, one holding a sign saying ``End Operation Epstein Fury.''
There was a very heavy security presence visible all around, including two vessels just off the coast and three countersnipers stationed at the base of a large flagpole.
The motorcade driving Trump left the golf club's 8:23 p.m. and went a few hundred yards to Marine One, which lifted off at 8:29 p.m. and arrived at Los Angeles International Airport at 8:47 p.m.
Trump left aboard Air Force One a short time later bound for Las Vegas, where he is scheduled to speak Wednesday afternoon at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, with his remarks mainly focusing on the economy and tax relief.
Just hours before Trump arrived in the Southland, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced the Sunday arrest of a man who was seen taking photos and videos at Trump National Golf Club, and appeared to be monitoring security-preparations at the club. When he was detained, he was found to be carrying a magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition, and a loaded weapon was found in his car.
A subsequent search of his Downey home turned up various weapons and ammunition, along with notebooks that contained unspecified "concerning statements.'' It was unclear if any of the statements included threats targeting Trump.
Trump's last official visit to California was in January 2025, when he toured areas devastated by the Palisades Fire and held a roundtable discussion with local elected officials, including Mayor Karen Bass.
